Tired and weakened are two words that describe the subjects of Calvin Ma's incredible superhero sculptures. But then again, years of beating on the bad guys will eventually wear you down.
Calvin Ma is a talented San Francisco-based sculptural artist who has shown a different side of heroes in a series called Suit Up. Instead of posing them in a manner that makes them seem larger-than-life and immortal, he's made them look extremely vulnerable. He's transformed the likes of Batman, Captain America and Spiderman into elderly men who are anything but happy in their current state. Although, when you add up the years of injuries sustained from taking on arch nemeses, you'd understand how these superheros are feeling more than just a little frail in their old age.
Elderly Superhero Depictions
Calvin Ma Depicts Icons in a Weakened State
Trend Themes
1. Elderly Superheroes - Depictions of superheroes as elderly and vulnerable are increasing in popularity in the art world, offering opportunities for age-inclusive storytelling and merchandise.
2. Anti-heroes - Reimagining superheroes as frail, wounded and real offers potential for a new wave of anti-hero stories and merchandise as a departure from traditional depictions.
3. Diversity and Representation - Creating more diverse and dynamic depictions of superheroes can provide businesses with the chance to appeal to more audiences and potentially amplify sales.
Industry Implications
1. Art - Opportunities to provide consumers with art featuring elderly or vulnerable superheroes could lead to an increase in sales and an expansion of works reminiscent of them.
2. Entertainment - Reimagining popular superhero characters offers opportunities to create new movies, shows, and other forms of entertainment that appeal to a demographic drawn to anti-heroes and realism.
3. Merchandising - Creating merchandise featuring elderly and vulnerable depictions of superheroes can lead to an increase in sales, as well as an expansion of sales in demographics not normally attracted to superhero-related merchandise.